Forbidden Passion
Chapter 447 Theodore's Favor

Uriel was almost in tears with joy as Theodore and Phoebe had never been in the company's promo photos before.

With their good looks, the spring recruitment would definitely attract more attractive interns, helping with the issue of many older single employees.

The photo angles had to be clever, and the staged look couldn't be too obvious. Uriel said, "Mr. Reynolds, how about this? You and Ms. Ziegler walk over here from behind the convoy, and don't look at the camera. Just chat casually, no need to be deliberate."

Theodore was at a loss for words. Together, he and Phoebe made their way toward the back of the convoy and started moving forward slowly. The lingering stares made them both a tad uneasy.

Phoebe turned to Theodore, searching for words. "I sent Ollie to the Golden Apartment, and my mom will help take care of him for a few days."

"Mm." Theodore ended the conversation with one word.

As Phoebe edged closer to the camera, she licked her lips nervously. The shutter's clicking amplified her discomfort, making her search for words even more challenging. The pressure to say something grew, yet she found herself at a loss for words.

Theodore suddenly called her, "Phoebe."

Phoebe looked up at him, seeing Theodore looking down at her with a focused gaze. "I'm sorry about last night!"

Phoebe was stunned. "What?"

She thought she was hallucinating. Theodore was apologizing to her, but she was the one who had hurt him. Why was Theodore apologizing? She must have heard wrong.

Theodore glanced at Phoebe, his eyes falling on her neck. Even a turtleneck sweater couldn't hide the marks on her neck.

Theodore added, "I won't do it again."

Phoebe looked up at Theodore in a daze. They stared at each other for several seconds before Uriel's excited voice came from the side. "Mr. Reynolds, check out this photo! The atmosphere is perfect."

They snapped back to reality and looked away simultaneously.

Uriel quickly walked over, inserting himself between them and handing the camera to Theodore. "Mr. Reynolds, how about we use this photo for the promo shot? You and Ms. Ziegler look so sweet looking at each other."

Phoebe looked over too. In the photo, they had just stopped beside the banner with the word "prosperity." They were looking at each other, with only each other in their eyes.

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat, and she was slightly stunned. She didn't know if the camera had a distorting effect, but she had never known Theodore looked at her with such deep affection.

It must be her mistake. Theodore had resentment and hatred towards her, not affection. That was just her wishful thinking.

Phoebe shook her head to get rid of that absurd thought and said, "The convoy is about to depart. Mr. Reynolds, we should get in the car."

Theodore withdrew his gaze from the photo and glanced at Phoebe's back, saying to Uriel, "Send the photo to my email."

Uriel was stunned for a moment, then radiated a knowing smile.

When Phoebe got on the bus, it was already full, with only the first row left for them. She sat by the window.

After a while, Theodore got on the bus and sat next to her.

Theodore and Phoebe exchanged a glance, and Phoebe turned her head towards the window. The window glass was fogged up, making the outside scenery blurry and unreal. Orlando, who was in charge of this donation event, counted the people and then asked Theodore if they could depart.

Theodore said, "You are in full charge of this event. You don't need to ask me for instructions. Do what you think is right, and I'll follow your lead."

Orlando was so nervous he broke out in a cold sweat, but Theodore meant what he said and didn't interfere with any of Orlando's plans afterward.

The donation convoy left the city, got on the highway, and arrived at a service area at 1:50 PM to meet with other giants.

After some small talk, the leaders got back on the bus and continued heading north to deliver supplies to a poor mountainous area.

In previous years, the company would donate supplies, but the higher-ups rarely went in person. This year, Theodore decided to go himself, putting a lot of pressure on Orlando.

The further north they went, the colder it got, and even the bus heating wasn't enough.

Phoebe hadn't slept all night. After getting on the bus, she pretended to sleep to avoid facing Theodore. Eventually, she actually fell asleep.

When Phoebe woke up, it was gray outside, and streetlights occasionally flashed by. They hadn't reached their destination yet.

She realized she had been leaning on Theodore's shoulder and saw a suspicious wet spot on his black down jacket-her drool.

Feeling guilty, Phoebe quickly sat up straight.

Theodore had also been sleeping, but her sudden movement woke him up. He turned to Phoebe as he opened his eyes.

The bus was dimly lit, and as it passed under a streetlight, Theodore saw something clearly. His eyes were filled with amusement. "Phoebe, why are your ears red?"

Feeling a rush of embarrassment, Phoebe's face flushed. Desperate to divert attention away from her own embarrassment, she blurted out, "I may or may not have drooled a bit on you."She expected Theodore to be disgusted, but he just chuckled and nodded in response. "Mm."

Phoebe was speechless.

She thought, 'What do you mean by that? And is this really that funny? Don't you have a cleanliness obsession? Shouldn't you be taking off your jacket and throwing it at my face?'

The bus continued moving forward. Around 11 PM, they reached their first destination, and Orlando organized everyone to get off the bus.

As soon as the door opened, cold air rushed in, making everyone shiver.

Phoebe zipped up her down jacket and was about to get off the bus when Theodore pulled her back and wrapped a scarf around her neck. Everyone on the bus was watching, and Phoebe coughed awkwardly. "Mr. Reynolds, we should get off the bus. We're blocking the way." Theodore carefully examined her for a few seconds, making sure she was warm enough before getting off the bus.

Phoebe didn't dare look at anyone else's expressions and followed him off the bus. The snow outside was thick, crunching under her feet. There was an old hotel by the roadside, with a sign that looked very worn out.

"Are we staying here tonight?" Phoebe asked Orlando.

She was a bit worried. Theodore was used to luxury. Could he handle staying here?

Orlando nodded. "Ms. Ziegler, although this place is close to Kedora, many families here are still in poverty, especially in winter."

Phoebe lowered her voice. "Prepare a clean room for Mr. Reynolds. He has a cleanliness obsession. If the room smells bad, he won't be able to sleep."

Orlando nodded in understanding. "I know. I've already made arrangements, but there are many people staying tonight, and Mr. Reynolds joined at the last minute. The prime rooms were snapped up by executives from other companies." Phoebe thought for a moment and said, "We'll have to make do for tonight. Just make sure the room is clean."

"Yes, Ms. Ziegler. If there's any lack of hospitality, please speak up for me in front of Mr. Reynolds," Orlando said nervously. Phoebe looked at the falling snow, her breath forming white puffs. "Go ahead. It's late. Let's get everyone settled in."